01 Oct 2024 | 06:11 PM UTC
Mexico: Federal judiciary workers likely to continue nationwide strike, associated protests through at least mid-October /update 7
Federal judiciary workers likely to maintain nationwide strike in Mexico through at least mid- October. Associated protests likely.
Unionized federal judiciary employees will likely continue their indefinite strike and protest campaign across Mexico through at least mid-October. The purpose of the work stoppage, which has been underway since Aug. 19, is to denounce judicial reforms proposed by the national government. As part of the action, striking workers and supporting activists have staged demonstrations and marches outside federal courthouses in several cities, including Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. Organizers voted on Oct. 1 to continue the strike indefinitely. Activists have expressed a desire to meet with the new president to address their demands. Protest activity will likely persist at least until labor leaders meet with the government.
The strike will almost certainly continue to prompt significant delays and other disruptions to federal court services. Transport and business disruptions are likely in areas where demonstrations occur. Authorities will probably deploy heightened security measures to any protest sites. Clashes are possible if security forces try to forcibly disperse demonstrators.
Reconfirm all business appointments, including hearing dates and petition statuses, with the federal court system for the duration of the strike. Avoid all protests as a precaution. Allow additional time to reach destinations in the vicinity of any likely demonstration locations, such as federal courthouses. Heed the instructions of local authorities.
The changes to the judiciary pursued by the government include electing federal and state judges, such as justices on the Supreme Court, via public elections. This has garnered significant controversy, with critics arguing that it threatens the courts' independence.
The reforms passed their initial hurdle Aug. 26, when the constitutional points commission from the lower chamber of Mexico's Congress approved them. On Aug. 31, two federal judges in Chiapas and Morelos issued rulings that sought to temporarily halt the debate on the reforms in Congress and prevent them from being sent to state congresses for approval. On Sept. 2, employees of the Supreme Court joined the nationwide strike. The lower house, nevertheless, debated the reforms and approved them Sept. 4, sending them to the Senate. The Senate approved the reform Sept. 11, and sent it to the state legislatures for ratification. The President signed it into law Sept. 15. Supreme Court employees ended their participation Sept. 17, but protests have persisted.
